Asheville, North Carolina News

Archive for the ‘ywca’ Category

ASHEVILLE, NC – The YWCA of Asheville’s fifth annual Black & White Gala will be held on Thursday, October 1, at 7:00 pm at the Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave.

This FUN evening will feature silent and live auctions, food from local restaurants, and high energy dance music by Westsound. Festive black and white attire is encouraged. All event proceeds will go to support the programs of the YWCA of Asheville. Tickets are only $40/each or two for $75. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

ASHEVILLE, NC – The YWCA of Asheville will hold “Neighborhood Appreciation Day” on Saturday, August 29th from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.

The YWCA encourages neighbors to stop by for snacks, tours, and coupons for free swim lessons. Visitors will be able to try out fitness equipment and classes including Yoga and Cardio Circuit. Water Aerobics and family swim will be offered in the YWCA’s solar-heated pool.

ASHEVILLE, NC – In response to member requests, the YWCA is expanding their hours. Starting August 2, the YWCA will be open on Sundays year-round. In addition, the building will now open at 5:30 am Monday through Friday.

ASHEVILLE, NC – The YWCA is now offering beginning swimming lessons in Spanish. Classes for 2 and 3 year olds will start on July 20 at 10:30 am, though students can sign up at any time.

New participants can try the class one time for free. The beginning swimming class will utilize lots of fun and games. One parent must accompany their child in the pool. To sign up, or for more info, call 254-7206 x 110.

ASHEVILLE, NC – The city of Asheville has partnered with YWCA of Asheville at 185 S. French Broad Ave. in introducing a trial program called the “Y Commute Pass” which will be offered during the months of June, July and August. This program will allow bicycle commuters and walkers access to the locker room, a locker, and shower for $50.00 for the three months. So whether you walk or bicycle to downtown Asheville, you now have an opportunity to shower before heading into the office.

The City of Asheville’s Transportation Division approached the YWCA to see if they would be interested in offering commuters an opportunity to freshen up on their way to work. Barb Mee, Transportation Planner, found this to be a “great benefit for people who want to walk or bicycle to work in the downtown area. For many people, there is a fear that if they use an active form of transportation they won’t be presentable for work,” she said. I am so impressed that the YWCA of Asheville is willing to be a leader in supporting the community this way.”

YWCA Executive Director Holly Jones said that “the YWCA is committed to facilitating healthy lifestyles for the citizens of Buncombe County. The YWCA is proud to launch a community-wide bicycle commuter program in order to support individuals committed to incorporating alternative transportation into their daily routines.”

For more information about the YWCA Y Commute Pass, contact Carol Severance at the YWCA, 254-7206 x105. For more information about walking and bicycling in Asheville, contact Barb Mee at the City of Asheville, 232-4540, or email [email protected]or [email protected]

ASHEVILLE, NC – The YWCA of Asheville will hold a solar panel dedication celebration on Earth Day, April 22, at 8:00 am at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Avenue. This event, which is sponsored by Progress Energy, is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Supporters of the YWCA Solar Project, such as the William H. and Frances O. Beattie Foundation, will be celebrated. This YWCA Solar Project is in the memory of Ske Bonsike.

The 30 solar panels that have been installed at the YWCA provide energy to heat water for the agency’s pool, showers, and kitchen. The benefits of solar energy include the economic benefit of a 20% reduction in YWCA natural gas utility bills. From an environmental perspective, the YWCA’s solar panels will prevent 18 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. Moreover, the YWCA is proud to be leading Buncombe County in energy independence.

The mission of the YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. For more information about the YWCA’s many social change programs, go to www.ywcaofasheville.org.